Website of the UK government

Information booklets

The Department of Health publishes two information booklets about direct payments. One of them is an easy read version. They can be downloaded from the Department of Health website or ordered over the telephone.

'A guide to receiving direct payments from your local council' is the name of the standard booklet.

The easy read booklet is called 'An easy guide to direct payments'.

If you order the easy read booklet over the telephone, you can ask for a pack which includes a book, a CD-ROM and an audio tape.

To order a copy of either publication, call the Department of Health publications orderline.

Telephone: 08701 555 455

Textphone: 08700 102 870 

Lines are open from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm, Monday to Friday.

• A guide to receiving direct payments from your local council - Department of Health website Opens new window
• An easy guide to direct payments - Department of Health website Opens new window

Specific queries

If you have an enquiry about your own situation, your local council is the best place to start. Each council deals with direct payments in its own way. The council can also put you in touch with local support services.

You may also find it useful to discuss your situation with other disabled people who have experience of using direct payments.

• Local councils
• Contacting other disabled people and disability organisations

How to complain

If you are unhappy with your local council, you can use your local council's complaints procedure.

If you are unhappy with services being provided by an agency or carer, you should complain to the agency or take it up with the person you are not happy with.